Push-bar operator for dial telephones



June 2, 1959 A. c. STEELE 2,889,413

' PUSH-BAR OPERATOR FOR DIAL TELEPHONES Filed March 22,1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. fll'XA/Wf? C. 5/7521! BY 0 4 l 0 June 2, 1959 A. c. STEELE 2,889,413

PUSH-BAR OPERATOR FOR DIAL TELEPHONES Filed March 22, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 23 ewe e4 53 i i1 8 l0 O fl 5 i E 56 x 66 I IN VENTOR. AltXA/Yflffi IIZ'ELE BMW llnited States Patent 2,889,413 PUSH-BAR OPERATOR FOR DIAL TELEPHONES Alexander C. Steele, Newtown Square, Pa.

Application March 22, 1956, Serial No. 573,208

Claims. (Cl. 179-90) The present invention relates to dial telephones, and is concerned primarily with a novel push-bar device for operating such dial telephones.

At the present time, the dial telephone is almost the universal standard equipment throughout the country. In operating a dial telephone, considerable difliculty and inconvenience is experienced in selecting the correct opening for engagement by the finger of the operator. Moreover, the operation itself is somewhat intricate and complicated, and requires an inconvenient motion on the part of the operator.

With the foregoing conditions in mind, the present invention has in view as its foremost objective the provision of an operating device that is adapted to be applied as an attachment to a conventional dial telephone, and which includes as characteristic and essential elements, push bars which are operatively connected to the dial mechanism of the phone. These push bars may be availed of to operate the dial of the phone in a simple and easy manner, with the push bars being more easily and readily selected than the openings in the dial of a telephone.

More in detail, the invention has as an object the provision of an operating device of the character aforesaid which includes a gear which is adapted to be operatively connected to the dial of a telephone. Cooperating with this gear is a rack bar that is in turn connected to a pusher bar that extends transversely across the attachment. As the pusher bar is depressed, the gear is rotated, with the extent of rotation being determined by the amount of movement of the pusher bar. Each push bar is operatively mounted in the attachment and connected to the pusher bar, with the extent of movement of each push bar being accurately limited so that, when it is depressed to the fullest extent possible, the gear will be rotated to the extent necessary to impart the desired degree of anguIar rotation to the dial of the phone for that particular pushvbutton.

Another object of the invention is to provide an operating attachment of the character indicated which includes a push bar for each finger opening of the dial in the telephone. Thus, when this push bar is operated, the dial of the telephone is imparted the same movement which it would be given by using the finger recess in the ordinary manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pushbar operating device of the type aforesaid which includes a casing that is adapted to be fitted over and secured to the base of a conventional French-type telephone. This casing carries and houses the push bars, the pusher bar to which it is connected, and other operating mechanism.

The dial mechanism of a telephone includes a spring which rotates the dial to return it to its original position afterthe operating finger is released from the particular opening in which it has been inserted. A further object of the invention is to provide a push-bar operator of the character aforesaid that includes a pusher bar that is returned to its original or initial position under the influence of the spring in the dial of the telephone to which it is connected. This pusher bar is moved a predetermined distance according to the particular push bar selected, and after the push bar is released, is returned to its original position by the dial of the telephone.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a push-bar operating attachment for dial telephones of the character aforesaid which includes a set of push bars which are connected to a pusher bar, with positioning springs being provided for the pusher bar and the push bars. One end of each spring is anchored to the casing; while the other end is secured to the pusher bar or push bar, as the case may be. These springs supplement the effect of the spring in the dial of the telephone and nraintain the respective parts in position for the operation required thereof.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention, such as arise in connection with carrying out the above-noted ideas in a practical embodiment, will in part become apparent and in part be hereinafter stated as the description of the invention proceeds.

The invention, therefore, comprises a push-bar operator for dial telephones which consists essentially of a casing that is adapted to be fitted over the base of a conventional French-type telephone. Operatively mounted in this casing is a set of push bars which correspond to the finger openings in the dial of the telephone. Each of these push bars is operatively connected to a pusher bar. A rack bar is connected to the pusher bar, and

engages a gear that is mounted co-axially with the dial,

of a telephone. This gear is operatively connected to the dial of the telephone. The movement of each push bar is limited, so that when it is depressed to the fullest extent possible, the dial is rotated the same angular distance as it would be if the corresponding finger opening were rotated in the usual manner.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a perspective view showing the push-bar operating attachment of this invention as applied to a conventional French-type telephone.

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the casing, with a portion of the front wall thereof broken away.

Figure 3 is a transverse section taken about on the plane represented by the line 3,3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a partial vertical section taken about on the plane represented by the line 4.4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a detailed transverse section taken about ticularly to Figure 1, a conventional French-type tele-' phone is therein illustrated as comprising a base B and a hand piece H. Mounted on the base B in the usual manner is a dial 10 having the usual finger openings 11. This dial 10 ordinarily would be operated by engaging a finger in one of the openings 11 and rotating the dial to'the fullest extent possible. Upon release of the finger, the 'dial is rotated in the reverse direction under the influence of a spring that is included as a part of the telephone. The present invention does not alter or change in any way the construction or mechanism of the telephone itself,

but merely provides an operating attachment for operating the dial 10.

As shown in Figure l, a casing C is applied over the base B. This casing C includes a front wall or panel 12 that assumes an inclined position generally correspond" ing to the inclination of the dial 10 and wall on which itis mounted. The casing C may be made from any appropriate material, although the imvention has particular in mind the use of a plastic which is susceptible of being molded into the one-piece construction illust'rated. Integ'rally joined to the lower edge 13 of the front wall 12 is a vertical front-wall section 14 which fits over the corresponding wallof the base B. Side walls 15 are also integrally joined to the inclined front wall 12 along the edges 16, and extend down over the side walls of the base. These side walls 15 have rear extensions 17 which extend over the corresponding walls of the base B, and are integrally joined at the back to a rear wall 18.

After the casing C has been fitted over the base B in the manner illustrated in Figure 1, clips such as shown at 19 in Figures 1 and 6 may be secured in position by screws 20 to maintain the assembled relation.

As is more Clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inclined front wall panel 12 consists of two layers or laminations. Thus, there is an outer layer 21 that is relatively thick, and an inner layer 22 that is relatively thin. At each side, the inner layer 22 carries channel structure 23 providing confronting channels 24.

Carried by the top edge of the inclined front wall panel 12 is an inclined top wall 25. Located beneath this top wall 25, and extending across the upper portion of the front wall panel 12 just below the undersurface of the layer 22, is a pusher bar 26 having downturned legs 27 at its opposite ends. These legs 27 are received in the channels 24, as shown in Figure 2. Secured to the lower end of each leg 27 in an inwardly offset relation with respect "thereto is a carriage 28. Each of the carriages 28 has a pair of rollers 29 that are received in the corresponding channel 24 and roll along the bottom surface thereof. A compression spring 30 is also located in each channel 24, and has one end secured to the carriage 28, as indicated at 31; and its other end is anchored near the lower end of the channel, as shown at 32.

Formed in the inclined front wall panel 12 is a series of slots designated 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42. These slots are of gradually increasing length, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 12; and the lower end of each slot is intended to function as a stop for a push bar as will be later described. With the exception of the difference in length, the slots are of identical construction, and as shown in Figure 3, extend entirely through both layers .21 and 22 of the panel 12. Formed in the layer 22 and communicating with each of the slots 33-42 is a cross slot 43, there being a cross slot 43 for each of the slots 3342.

A push-bar assembly is referred to in its entirety by the reference character P. There is a'push-bar assembly P for each of the slots 3342. Thus, each push-bar assembly P comprises a push bar proper 44 which extends outwardly from the face of the inclined front wall panel 12. This push bar 44 is carried by an arm 45 that .is slidably mounted in the respective slot 3342, as the case may be. Extending downwardly from this am 45 is a link 46 to which is integrally connected a tab 47 that is received in the cross slot 43. One end of a positioning compression spring 48 is connected to the lower endof the tab 47; and the other endof the spring 48 is anchored, as indicated at 49, to the bottom of a recess or channel '50 that is formed on the inner face of the layer 21. This channel or recess St) is close by the inner layer 22.

'Integrally joined-to the inner end of the arm 45, and positioned on the underface of the panel 12, is an up wardly extending arm 51 which terminates in a hooklike flange 52. This flange 52 is fitted over the upper surface of the pusher bar 26, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. Thus, each push bar 44 is operatively connected to the pusher bar 26.

A rack bar 53 has its upper end connected to the pusher bar 26 in any preferred manner, as shown at 54, suchas by fusing; and a .side..edge of thelrack har. 53

is formed with a series of teeth '55, such as shown in Figure 2. A shaft 56 drivably carries a gear 57; and the teeth of the rack bar 53 engage and mesh with the teeth of the gear 57. In order to maintain this engagement, a guide roller 58 engages the edge of the rack bar 53 remote from the teeth 55, and is carried by an arm 59 that extends from a collar 60 that is mounted on the shaft 56, with the latter being rotatable relative to the collar 60. Thus, as the rack bar 53 goes up and down, the roller 58 insures that the teeth 55 mesh with the gear 57. I

The outer end of the shaft 56 is journaled in a disc-like plate 61 that is secured to the inner face of the panel 12; while the other end of the shaft 56 is journaled in a boss 62 carried by a disc 63 that is dimensioned to be snugly received in the recess that is formed on a central part 64 of the dial 10. Every dial 10 includes such a circular central part 64 that is formed with a lip defining recess or depression. The disc 63 is snugly fitted in this recess.

Extending-outwardly from theshaft 56, and in driving relation relative thereto, is an arm 65 which carries at its free end a plug 66. This plug 66 is snuglyreceived in one of the finger openings 11 of the dial 10. Thus, a driving connection between the gear 57 and the dial 10 is established.

Operation It will be understood that the push bar 44 111-1116 shortest slot 33 corresponds to the finger opening n'or mally marked 1T in the dial. Similarly, the push her 44 in the slot 34 corresponds to the finger opening normally marked ABC and 2 in the dial, and this relation continues in the obvious progressive manner for the push bar 44 in the longest slot 42, which corresponds to the finger opening normally marked with the indicia of ,Z, Operator, and 0. V

With the attachment applied to a telephone in the manner illustrated and described, the operator raises the hand piece, and in the usual manner, awaits the dial tone. When this is heard, he begins the dialing operation to obtain a desired number by availing of the proper push bars 44 in the proper sequential order. Each push bar 44 is pushed downwardly to the fullest extent pos'. sible, which is determined by the length of the slot 33 42 in which it is located. The extent of this downward movement determines the degree of angular rotation which is imparted to the gear 57; and thus'the dial 10' is rotated exactly the angular extent required. When the finger of the operator is released from the push bar 44, the spring of the dial mechanism of the telephone becomes effective to' rotate the dial 10 in a reversedirection in the usual fashion; and this returns the pusher bar 26' to its original starting position, in which it is ready for operation by the next push bar. This return of the pusher bar 26 is further enhanced by the com pfession springs 30 and 48. From the foregoing, it is apparent that the push may be easily and readily selected, even by feel when visibility is poor. Moreover, the operation is a simple straight-line movement, as compared to the circular mo; tion now required in operating the conventional dial. Moreover, the device is readily adapted to be attached to any of the conventional standard French-type telephones that are now. in widespread use. p I a While a preferred specific embodiment of the invention is hereinbefore set forth, it is to be clearly under stood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions, mechanisms, and devices illustrated and described, because various modifications of these details. may be provided in putting the invention into practice a pusher bar mounted for reciprocating movement in said casing, a series of push bars operatively mounted in said casing with each push bar being operatively associated with said pusher bar, a rack bar connected to said pusher bar, a gear meshing with said rack bar, an arm drivably connected to said gear, and a plug at the free end of said arm and received in one of the finger openings of the dial of the telephone on which the casing is mounted.

2. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the face of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel formed with a series of slots of varying lengths, a push bar slidably mounted in each of said slots, a pusher bar mounted for reciprocating movement in said casing, each of said push bars being operatively associated with said pusher bar, compression springs controlling the sliding movement of said push bars and the reciprocating movement of said pusher bar, and means for operatively connecting said pusher bar to the dial of the telephone on which the casing is mounted.

3. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the face of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel formed with a series of slots of varying lengths, a push bar slidably mounted in each of said slots, a pusher bar mounted for reciprocating movement in said casing, each of said push bars being operatively associated with said pusher bar, carriages at the opposite ends of said pusher bar, guide rollers on said carriages and engaging said casing, compression springs connected to said casing and said carriages respectively, and means for operatively connecting said pusher bar to the dial of the telephone on which the casing is mounted.

4. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the face of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel formed with a series of slots of varying lengths, a push bar slidably mounted in each of said slots, a pusher bar mounted for reciprocating movement in said casing, each of said push bars being operatively associated with said pusher bar, carriages at the opposite ends of said pusher bar, guide rollers on said carriages and engaging said casing, compression springs connected to said casing and said carriages respectively, compression springs connected to said push bars and said casing respectively, and means operatively connecting said pusher bar to the dial of the telephone on which the casing is mounted.

5. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the face of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel formed with a series of slots of varying lengths, a push bar slidably mounted in each of said slots, a pusher bar mounted for reciprocating movement in said casing, each of said push bars being operatively associated with said pusher bar, a rack bar having one end connected to said pusher bar, a gear meshing with said rack bar, and means operatively connecting said gear to the dial of the telephone on which said casing is mounted.

6. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the face of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel formed with a series of slots of varying lengths, a push bar slidably mounted in each of said slots, a pusher bar mounted for reciprocating movement in said casing, each of said push bars being operatively associated with said pusher bar, a shaft rotatably carried by said casing, an arm drivably connected to said shaft and having means at one end for engaging the finger recess of the dial on which the casing is mounted, a gear drivably carried by said shaft,

and a rack bar meshing with said gear and connected to said pusher bar.

7. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the face of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel formed with a series of slots of varying lengths, a push bar slidably mounted in each of said slots, a pusher bar mounted for reciprocating movement in said casing, each of said push bars being operatively associated with said pusher bar, a shaft rotatably carried by said casing, an arm drivably connected to said shaft and having means at one end for engaging the finger recess of the dial on which the casing is mounted, a gear drivably carried by said shaft, a rack bar meshing with said gear and connected to said pusher bar, and a guide roller maintaining said rack bar in meshing engagement with said gear.

8. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the base of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel formed with a series of vertically arranged slots of diiierent lengths, there being a cross slot for each of said vertical slots, conmtunicating therewith and formed in said panel, a push-bar assembly in each of said vertical slots and cross slot communicating therewith; each of said push-bar assemblies comprising an arm in the respective vertical slot, a push bar at the outer end of said am, an upwardly extending extension at the inner end of said arm, a tab in said cross slot connected to said arm, and a compression spring having one end connected to said tab and its other end to said casing; a pusher bar operatively associated with all of said extensions, and means for operatively connecting said pusher bar to the dial of the telephone on which the casing is mounted.

9. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the base of a dial telephone and having an inclined front wall panel, channel structure on the underside of said front wall panel at the side edges thereof presenting confronting channels, a pusher bar extending across the underside of said casing having legs at the opposite ends thereof received in said channels, a series of push bars operatively mounted in said casing, means for operatively associating each of said push bars to said pusher bar, and means operatively connecting said pusher bar to the dial of the telephone on which the easing is mounted.

10. In a push-bar operator for dial telephones, a casing adapted to be mounted on the base of a dial telephone and having an inclined front Wall panel, channel structure on the underside of said front wall panel at the side edges thereof presenting confronting channels, a pusher bar extending across the underside of said casing having legs at the opposite ends thereof received in said channels, an inwardly offset carriage connected to each leg, rollers on each of said carriages and operatively received in the respective channel, a compression spring in each channel having one end connected to the carriage therein and the other end to said casing, said panel being formed with a series of slots of different lengths, a push bar slidably mounted in each slot and operatively associated with said pusher bar, a compression spring for each push bar having one end connected to the push bar and the other end to said casing, and means for operatively connecting said pusher bar to the dial of the telephone on which the casing is mounted.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

